Candied cherry tomatoes

different textures will explode in your mouth, in a medley of crunchy caramel and soft, juicy, ripe tomato.

a complex combination of tastes that stimulate the tongue in 3 key areas: sweet, sour, and savory.

I found inspiration for this one on Taiwans night markets, there it was served on long skewers, with small tomatoes like on a pearl necklace - between the tomatoes were small pieces of dried plum.

The goal was to turn it into a sweet canape style dish, as starter or combined with a welcome drink.

I chose to skip the plum and tried sesame and saltflakes instead it turned out great! - I can imagine basil leaves would be a delicious combo as well.

If you are sceptic about combining tomato and caramel, I suggest to give it a try - it's done in 20mins, and is easy to make.

Step 1: Supplies

For 12 to 15 tomatoes:

vine ripened cherry tomatoes

180g/ 6,35oz caster sugar

1tsp vinegar ( I used white wine vinegar 6%)

25ml/0,85 oz water

black sesame seeds, sesame seeds, salt flakes

a small pot

toothpicks or short skewers

(sugar thermometer) optional

Step 2: Preparing the Tomatoes

wash the tomatoes and wipe them dry - absolutely dry!

insert a skewer or toothpick into the tomato - be careful not to go all the way through!

NOTE: I really liked the small tomato-stalks and chose to leave them on.

Step 3: Prepare Workspace

place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface

sprinkle sesame seeds and salt flakes onto the parchment paper.

I tried also a mix of sugar and salt flakes.

Step 4: Cooking Caramel

combine sugar, vinegar and water in a small pot in a heavy-based saucepan and stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves.

Increase the heat to medium and cook, without stirring, for 6-8 minutes until the sugar is a golden caramel. Remove from the heat instantly

If you use a thermometer: heat it to almost 150C/ 302F

CAUTION! molten sugar is hot and sticky, don't even think of licking that spoon!

Step 5: Dipping and Sprinkle

Working quickly: hold a tomato by the skewer and carefully dip in the
caramel to coat, then place on the sesame seeds / salt flakes and set aside for 5 minutes to harden.

Repeat until all tomatoes are candified!

Don't dip the stalks!

AGAIN: TRY NOT TO BURN YOUR FINGERS!